Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3174

Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3174

Andrew said calmly, “Mr. Hearst, don’t worry. I know my limits. I will kill when necessary, but I’m not someone who slaughters the innocent.”

Franz finally let out a breath and smiled. “I trust you. A great era of conflict is coming. This time, the trial facing Holtrien won’t be small.”

Andrew replied, “What is there to fear? Holtrien still has many hidden old monsters. Let them come out and deal with the Vampire Queen’s forces.”

Franz shook his head. “I doubt it. The Vampire Queen has been asleep for a thousand years. Those old fossils back home are either dead or long replaced. The ones left now care only about their own interests. They won’t lift a finger for anything else.”

Andrew shrugged. “Then that’s Philip’s problem—and the military’s. A country this large must have someone willing to step forward.”

Franz chuckled. “How about you?”

Andrew’s expression darkened slightly. “I’m not Holtrien’s sovereign ruler. Why should I step forward? Guillermo, Philip, the Divine Dragon Order, the eight ancient sects, and the three royal families—they’ve enjoyed the fruits of others’ labor for far too long. When the time comes, they’re the ones who should bear the responsibility.”

Franz sighed. “You’re right. They must shoulder it. Let it be. We should head home first. The helicopters are ready. I plan for us to fly directly to Chetvine.”

“No need,” Andrew said, waving a hand. “We’ll land at the Azure Gate. I want to pay a visit to Swordhaven Keep.”

Franz’s expression twitched slightly, but in the end, he nodded. “Alright.”

Although Andrew was leaving, Throne City still required protection. The Wastelands might not pose much trouble for now, but the Dark Clans could not be ignored. As a result, only Nyx and Franz accompanied Andrew back home. Knox, Petra, and Juno remained behind in Throne City.

They were not citizens of Holtrien and had no obligation to serve it. Unless Andrew ordered them otherwise, the Outlands was their true home. Andrew was not a selfish man—he would never force Dragonfang to abandon their own land to serve his personal affairs. Moreover, Throne City had effectively become his stronghold. No matter what, he could not afford to neglect it.

Leaving powerful fighters behind was absolutely necessary. With the warriors of the Highland Tribe and top-tier experts like Othniel stationed there, Throne City was secure.

Two helicopters descended with a thunderous roar. Andrew boarded one with Nyx, Luna, and Valerie, while Franz took Conrad and Kyrie, along with two Holtrien military officers, in the other.

The helicopters lifted off, swiftly sweeping across the land below.

Andrew withdrew his gaze, a wave of emotion rising in his chest. Strictly speaking, his time in the Outlands had not been long—just over a year, not even two. Yet the experiences he had endured were countless, and the battles, great and small, too numerous to tally. His growth in power was astonishing, almost unbelievable.

To outsiders, it looked like a meteoric rise—like a rocket shooting into the sky, enviable and dazzling. But Andrew felt differently.

He had faced life-and-death situations more than once. One misstep, and he would never have returned alive. More importantly, he had laid the strongest foundation of his life.

A man without a cause is incomplete.

Back in Holtrien, Andrew had been constrained at every turn, besieged by enemies on all sides. And that was while he bore the prestigious title of the Lloyd family’s Dragon Prince, supported by the royal Lloyd family and a larger-than-life father overseas.

Even with all those advantages, he had still felt powerless at times.

But now, he did not.

Because borrowed power was never truly his. What he possessed now—his strength, his authority, and the empire behind him—belonged entirely to him and could be wielded at his will.

To put it bluntly, the Andrew of today dared to stand against any force in the world and draw his sword without hesitation.

That was the source of his confidence.